Rails East to Promontory The Utah Stations

This monograph has presented a historical overview and description of an abandoned segment of the Nation's first transcontinental railroad. The study provides a contribution to the Bureau of Land Management's continuing efforts to foster wise stewardship of this unique cultural entity. Hopefully this monograph will enhance public appreciation for the rich legacy left by the people who lived and worked along the railroad.

The abandoned grade, approximately 90 miles long, represents America's longest continuous segment of the first transcontinental railroad still surrounded by a relatively remote and unspoiled environment. This comparative isolation has contributed to the longevity and preservation of the railroad grade. But with the growth of public interest in America's cultural heritage, this valuable resource will receive greater exposure and attention, as well as increased susceptibility to damage by vandals, looters, and casual artifact collectors (collecting is illegal on public lands).

We hope that this study will be the first of many that will not only interpret the history but will contribute to the desire of visitors to protect and preserve the railroad grade for generations to come.